Contents

[reading] The year 3434 of the Second Age. Here follows the account of Isildur, the High King of Gondor, at the finding of the Ring of Power. "It has come to me, the One Ring. It shall be an heirloom of my Kingdom. All those who follow in my bloodline shall be bound to its fate, for I shall risk no hurt to the Ring. It is precious to me, though I buy it with a great pain. The markings upon the band begin to fade. The writing, which at first was as clear as red flame, has all but disappeared – a secret now that only fire can tell."

My dear Frodo, Hobbits really are amazing creatures. You can learn all that there is to know about their ways in a month and yet, after a hundred years, they can still surprise you.

Be careful, both of you. The Enemy has many spies in his service; birds and beasts. [to Frodo] Is it safe? Never put it on, for then the agents of the Dark Lord will be drawn to its power. Always remember, Frodo, the Ring is trying to get back to its master. It wants to be found.

[reading the inscription on a sarcophagus] "Here lies Balin, son of Fundin, Lord of Moria". He is dead then. It's as I feared.

[reading the Book of Mazarbul's last entry] "They have taken the Bridge and the Second Hall. We have barred the gates, but cannot hold them for long. The ground shakes... Drums. Drums in the deep. We cannot get out. A Shadow moves in the dark... We cannot get out... They are coming."

Fool of a Took! Throw yourself in next time, and rid us of your stupidity!

[confronting the Balrog on the Bridge of Khazad-dûm] You cannot pass! I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the Flame of Anor. The dark fire will not avail you, Flame of Udûn! Go back to the shadow. You shall not pass!

[opening narration] The world is changed. I feel it in the water. I feel it in the earth. I smell it in the air. Much that once was is lost, for none now live who remember it. It began with the forging of the Great Rings. Three were given to the Elves; immortal, wisest and fairest of all beings. Seven to the Dwarf Lords, great miners and craftsmen of the mountain halls. And nine, nine rings were gifted to the Race of Men, who above all else desire power. For within these rings was bound the strength and will to govern each race. But they were all of them deceived, for another ring was made. In the land of Mordor, in the fires of Mount Doom, the Dark Lord Sauron forged, in secret, a Master Ring to control all others. And into this Ring he poured his cruelty, his malice and his will to dominate all life. One Ring to rule them all.

One by one, the Free Lands of Middle-Earth fell to the power of the Ring. But there were some who resisted. A last alliance of Men and Elves marched against the armies of Mordor. And on the slopes of Mount Doom, they fought for the freedom of Middle-Earth. Victory was near, but the power of the Ring could not be undone. It was in this moment, when all hope had faded, that Isildur, son of the king, took up his father's sword. Sauron, enemy of the free peoples of Middle-Earth, was defeated. The Ring passed to Isildur, who had this one chance to destroy evil forever, but the hearts of Men are easily corrupted. And the Ring of Power has a will of its own. It betrayed Isildur, to his death.

And some things that should not have been forgotten were lost. History became legend. Legend became myth. And for two and a half thousand years, the Ring passed out of all knowledge. Until, when chance came, it ensnared a new bearer. The Ring came to the creature Gollum, who took it deep into the tunnels of the Misty Mountains. And there it consumed him. The Ring brought to Gollum unnatural long life. For 500 years, it poisoned his mind. And in the gloom of Gollum's cave, it waited. Darkness crept back into the forests of the world. Rumor grew of a shadow in the East – whispers of a nameless fear. And the Ring of Power perceived its time had now come. It abandoned Gollum. But something happened then the Ring did not intend. It was picked up by the most unlikely creature imaginable. A Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins of the Shire. For the time will soon come when Hobbits will shape the fortunes of all...

My gift for you, Legolas, is the bow of the Galadhrim, worthy of the skill of our woodland kin. These are the daggers of the Noldorin. They have already seen service in war. Do not fear, Peregrin Took. You will find your courage. And for you, Samwise Gamgee, Elven rope, made of Hithlain.

I have nothing greater to give than the gift you already bear.

You have our own choice to make, Aragorn. To rise above the height of all your fathers since the days of Elendil...or to fall into darkness with all that is left of your kin.

Farewell, Frodo Baggins. I give you the Light of Eärendil, our most beloved star. May it be a light for you in dark places, when all other lights go out.

[writing his book] The twenty-second day of September in the year 1400 by Shire reckoning. Bag End, Bagshot Row, Hobbiton, West Farthing, The Shire, Middle Earth. The Third Age of this world. "There and back again, A Hobbit’s tale, by Bilbo Baggins". Now, where to begin? Ah, yes. "Concerning Hobbits". Hobbits have been living and farming in the four Farthings of the Shire for many hundreds of years. Quite content to ignore and be ignored by the world of the Big Folk. Middle Earth being, after all, full of strange creatures beyond count. Hobbits must seem of little importance, being neither renowned as great warriors, nor counted amongst the very wise. ...In fact, it has been remarked by some that Hobbits’ only real passion is for food. A rather unfair observation as we have also developed a keen interest in the brewing of ales and the smoking of pipeweed. But where our hearts truly lie is in peace and quiet and good tilled earth. For all Hobbits share a love of all things that grow. And yes, no doubt to others, our ways seem quaint. But today of all days, it is brought home to me it is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life.

[writing in his book] And so life in the Shire goes on, very much as it has this past age. Full of its own comings and goings with change coming slowly, if it comes at all. For things are made to endure in the Shire, passing from one generation to the next. There’s always been a Baggins living here under the Hill, in Bag End. [to himself] And there always will be.

So there I was at the mercy of three monstrous trolls. And they were all arguing amongst themselves about how they were going to cook us. Whether it be turned on a spit or whether they should sit on us one by one and squash us into jelly. They spent so much time arguing the witherto's and whyfor's that the sun's first light cracked open over the top of the trees... Poof! And turned them all into stone!

Today is my One Hundred and Eleventh birthday! Alas, eleventy one years is far too short a time to live among such excellent and admirable Hobbits. I don't know half of you half as well as I should like and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. [confused silence] I, uh, I have things to do... I've put this off for far too long. I regret to announce this is the end. I'm going now. I bid you all a very fond farewell. Goodbye. [puts the Ring on and vanishes]

[to Frodo] I'm sorry I brought this upon you, my boy. I'm sorry that you must have to carry this burden. I'm sorry for everything.

A wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins. Nor is he early; he arrives precisely when he means to.

And he lived happily ever after to the end of his days.

Frodo: You're late.

Gandalf: A wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins. Nor is he early; he arrives precisely when he means to.

Frodo: It's wonderful to see you, Gandalf!

Gandalf: You didn't think I'd miss your Uncle Bilbo's birthday, did you? So, how is the old rascal? I hear it is going to be a party of special significance.

Frodo: You know Bilbo. He's got the whole place in an uproar.

Gandalf: Well, that should please him.

Frodo: Half the Shire's been invited. And the rest are turning up anyway. [They laugh]

Frodo: To tell you the truth, Bilbo's been a bit odd lately. I mean...more than usual. He's taking to locking himself in his study. He spends hours and hours poring over old maps when he thinks I'm not looking. He's up to something. [Gandalf acts nonchalant] All right, then, keep your secrets. But I know you have something to do with it.

Gandalf: Goodness gracious me!

Frodo: Before you came along, we Bagginses were very well thought of.

Gandalf: Indeed?

Frodo: Never had any adventures or did anything unexpected.

Gandalf: If you're referring to the incident with the dragon, I was barely involved. All I did was give your uncle a little nudge out of the door.

Frodo: Whatever you did, you’ve been officially labeled a 'disturber of the peace'.

Gandalf: [surprised] Oh, really?

Frodo: Gandalf, I'm glad you're back.

Gandalf: So am I, dear boy! So am I.

[Gandalf arrives at Bag End, goes through the gate, and knocks on the door with his staff]

Bilbo: [from inside] No thank you! We don't want any more visitors, well-wishers, or distant relations!

Gandalf: And what about very old friends?

[Bilbo opens the door]

Bilbo: Gandalf?

Gandalf: Bilbo Baggins.

Bilbo: My dear Gandalf! [hugs Gandalf]

Gandalf: It's good to see you. One hundred and eleven years old; who would believe it? You haven't aged a day. [they both laugh, but Gandalf gives Bilbo a serious glance]

Bilbo: Come on, come in! Welcome, welcome.

Gandalf: Frodo suspects something.

Bilbo: Of course he does! He's a Baggins! Not some blockheaded Bracegirdle from Hardbottle.

Gandalf: You will tell him, won't you?

Bilbo: Yes, yes.

Gandalf: He's very fond of you.

Bilbo: I know, he’d probably come with me if I asked him to. I think in his heart, Frodo’s still in love with the Shire; the woods, the fields, little rivers... I'm old, Gandalf. I know I don’t look it, but I’m beginning to feel it in my heart. I feel thin, sort of stretched, like butter scraped over too much bread. I need a holiday, a very long holiday. And I don’t expect that I shall return. In fact, I mean not to.

Gandalf: [alarmed] "Precious"? It's been called that before, but not by you.

Bilbo: [angry] Oh, what business is it of yours what I do with my own things?!

Gandalf: I think you've had that ring quite long enough.

Bilbo: You want it for yourself!

Gandalf: BILBO BAGGINS! DO NOT TAKE ME FOR SOME CONJURER OF CHEAP TRICKS! I AM NOT TRYING TO ROB YOU! [gently] I'm trying to help you. [Bilbo, frightened, hugs Gandalf] All your long years, we have been friends. Trust me, as you once did. Let it go.

Frodo: [Reading the inscription on the Ring] There are markings. It's some form of Elvish. I can't read it.

Gandalf: There are few who can. The language is that of Mordor, which I will not utter here.

Frodo: Mordor?

Gandalf: In the common tongue it says, "One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all, and in the darkness bind them."

Gandalf: This is the One Ring, forged by the Dark Lord Sauron, in the fires of Mount Doom, taken by Isildur from the hand of Sauron himself.

Frodo: Bilbo found it... in Gollum's cave.

Gandalf: Yes. For 60 years, the Ring lay quiet in Bilbo's keeping, prolonging his life, delaying old age. But no longer, Frodo. Evil is stirring in Mordor. The Ring has awoken. It's heard its Master's call.

Frodo: But he was destroyed. Sauron was destroyed!

[The Ring whispers]

Gandalf: No, Frodo. The spirit of Sauron endured. His life-force is bound to the Ring, and the Ring survived. Sauron has returned. His Orcs have multiplied; his fortress of Barad-dûr is rebuilt in the land of Mordor. Sauron needs only this Ring to cover all the lands in a second darkness. He is seeking it. Seeking it, all his thought is bent on it, and the Ring yearns above all else to reurn the hand of its Master. They are one, the Ring and the Dark Lord. Frodo... he must never find it.

Frodo: All right. We put it away. We keep it hidden; we never speak of it again. No one knows it's here do they? Do they, Gandalf?

Gandalf: There is one other who knew Bilbo had the Ring. I looked everywhere for the creature Gollum, but the enemy found him first. I don't know how long they tortured him, but admist the endless screams and inane babble, they discerned two words.

[in a flashback, Gollum is tortured by orcs and shrieks in agony]

Gollum: Shire!! Baggins!!

Frodo: "Shire"? "Baggins"? But that will lead them here! Take it, Gandalf! Take it!

Gandalf: No, Frodo.

Frodo: You must take it!

Gandalf: You cannot offer me this Ring!

Frodo: I'm giving it to you!

Gandalf: Don't... tempt me, Frodo! I dare not take it. Not even to keep it safe. Understand, Frodo, I would use this Ring from the desire to do good. But through me, it would wield a power too great and terrible to imagine.

Frodo: But it cannot stay in the Shire!

Gandalf: No! No, it can't.

Frodo: [pause, then realizes his burden, gripping the Ring] What must I do?

[Gandalf finds Sam spying on him and Frodo]

Gandalf: CONFOUND IT ALL, SAMWISE GAMGEE! Have you been eavesdropping?!

Sam: I ain't been droppin' no eaves sir, honest. I was just cutting the grass under the window there, if you'll follow me.

Gandalf: A little late for trimming the verge, don't you think?

Sam: I heard raised voices–

Gandalf: What did you hear?! Speak!

Sam: N-nothing important! That is, I heard a good deal about a Ring and Dark Lord and something about the end of the world, but... Please, Mr. Gandalf, sir, don't hurt me. Don't turn me into anything... unnatural.

Gandalf: [smiles at Frodo] No... perhaps not. I've thought of a better use for you.

Sam: If I take one more step, I'll be the farthest away from home I've ever been.

Frodo: Come on, Sam. Remember what Bilbo used to say: "It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no telling where you might be swept off to."

Saruman: [in thought] Smoke rises from the mountain of Doom, the hour grows late, and Gandalf the Grey rides to Isengard, seeking my counsel. [to Gandalf] For that is why you have come, is it not? My old friend.

Gandalf: Saruman.

Saruman: You are sure of this?

Gandalf: Beyond any doubt.

Saruman: So the Ring of Power has been found.

Gandalf: All these long years it was in the Shire, under my very nose.

Saruman: And yet you did not have the wits to see it. Your love of the Halfling's leaf has clearly slowed your mind.

Gandalf: But we still have time. Time enough to counter Sauron, if we act quickly.

Saruman: Time?! What time do you think we have? Sauron has regained much of his former strength. He cannot yet take physical form, but his spirit has lost none of its potency. Concealed within his fortress, the Lord of Mordor sees all. His gaze pierces cloud, shadow, earth, and flesh. You know of what I speak, Gandalf. A Great Eye, lidless, wreathed in flame.

Gandalf: The Eye of Sauron.

Saruman: He is gathering all evil to him. Very soon, he will have summoned an army great enough to launch an assault upon Middle Earth.

Gandalf: You know this? How?

Saruman: I have seen it.

Gandalf: A Palantír is a dangerous tool, Saruman.

Saruman: Why? Why should we fear to use it? [uncovers the Palantír he keeps]

Gandalf: They are not all accounted for, the lost Seeing Stones. We do not know who else may be watching. [recovers the Palantír; the Eye of Sauron is shown to be agitated by this]

Saruman: The hour is later is later than you think. Sauron's forces are already moving. The Nine have left Minas Morgul.

Gandalf: The Nine?

Saruman: They crossed the River Isen on Midsummer's Eve, disguised as riders in black.

Gandalf: [Shocked] They've reached the Shire?!

Saruman: They will find the Ring... and kill the one who carries it.

Gandalf: Frodo!

[He moves towards the the doors, but Saruman seals them all]

Saruman: You did not seriously think that a Hobbit could contend with the will of Sauron? There are none who can. Against the power of Mordor, there can be no victory. We must join with him, Gandalf. We must join with Sauron. It would be wise, my friend.

Strider: You have a stout heart, little Hobbit, but that will not save you. You can no longer wait for the wizard, Frodo. They are coming.

Frodo: [overhearing the Black Riders] What are they? Who were they?

Strider: They were once Men. Great Kings of Men. Then Sauron the Deceiver gave to them nine Rings of Power. Blinded by their greed, they took them without question, one by one falling to darkness. Now they are slaves to his will. They are the Nazgûl, Ringwraiths, neither living nor dead. At all times they feel the presence of the Ring, drawn to the power of the One. They will never stop hunting you.

Saruman: The friendship of Saruman is not lightly turned aside. One ill turn deserves another. It is over. Embrace the power of the Ring... or embrace your own destruction!

[Gandalf has noticed Gwaihir, the Great Eagle, approaching]

Gandalf: There is only one Lord of the Ring. Only one who can bend it to his will. And he does not share power! [jumps onto the Eagle's back and escapes]

Saruman: [watching them fly off] So you have chosen death.

Frodo: [reading Bilbo's book] "There and Back Again: A Hobbits Tale by Bilbo Baggins." This is wonderful.

Bilbo: I meant to go back. Wander the paths of Mirkwood, visit Laketown, see the Lonely Mountain again. But age it seems has finally caught up with me

Frodo: [looks at a map of the Shire] I miss the Shire. I spent all my childhood pretending I was off somewhere else. Off with you on one of your adventures. My own adventure turned out to be quite different. I'm not like you, Bilbo.

Bilbo: My dear boy...

Elrond: [watching Frodo] His strength returns.

Gandalf: That wound will never fully heal. He will carry it the rest of his life.

Elrond: And yet, to have come so far still bearing the Ring, the Hobbit has shown extraordinary resilience to its evil.

Gandalf: It is a burden he should never have had to bear. We can ask no more of Frodo.

Elrond: Gandalf, the enemy is moving. Sauron's forces are massing in the East; his Eye is fixed on Rivendell. And Saruman, you tell me, has betrayed us. Our list of allies grows thin!

Gandalf: His treachery runs deeper than you know. With foul craft, Saruman has crossed Orcs with Goblin-Men. He's breeding an army in the caverns of Isengard. An army that can move in sunlight, and cover great distance at speed. Saruman is coming for the Ring.

Elrond: This evil cannot be concealed by the power of the Elves. We do not have the strength to fight both Mordor and Isengard! Gandalf, the Ring cannot stay here. This peril belongs to all Middle Earth. They must decide now how to end it. The time of the Elves is over. My people are leaving these shores. Who will you look to when we've gone? The Dwarves? They hide in their mountains, seeking riches. They care nothing for the troubles of others.

Gandalf: It is in Men that we must place our hope.

Elrond: [bitterly] Men? Men are weak. The race of Men is failing. The Blood of Númenor is all but spent, its pride and dignity forgotten. It is because of Men the Ring survives. I was there, Gandalf. I was there three thousand years ago, when Isildur took the Ring. I was there the day the strength of Men failed. I led Isildur into the heart of Mount Doom, where the Ring was forged – the one place it could be destroyed. It should have ended that day, but evil was allowed to endure. Isildur kept the Ring. The line of Kings was broken. There's no strength left in the World of Men. They're scattered, divided, leaderless.

Gandalf: There is one who could unite them. One who could reclaim the Throne of Gondor.

Elrond: He turned from that path a long time ago. He has chosen exile.

[Extended Edition only]

Boromir: You are no elf?

Aragorn: Men of the South are welcome here.

Boromir: Who are you?

Aragorn: I'm a friend of Gandalf the Grey.

Boromir: Then we are here on a common purpose... friend.

[Boromir examines the shards of Narsil]

Boromir: The shards of Narsil. [picks up hiltpiece] The blade that cut the ring from Sauron's hand. [cuts himself with the sword] It's still sharp. [looks at Aragorn] But nothing less than a broken heirloom. [drops hiltpiece in an almost-disrespectful manner]

Arwen: [Elvish] Do you remember when we first met?

Aragorn: [Elvish] I thought I had wandered into a dream.

Arwen: [Elvish] Long years have passed. You did not have the cares you carry now. Do you remember what I told you?

Aragorn: You said you'd bind yourself to me, forsaking the immortal life of your people.

Arwen: And to that I hold. I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone. [hands him her pendant] I choose a mortal life.

Aragorn: You cannot give me this!

Arwen: It is mine to give to whom I will. Like my heart.

[At the Council of Elrond]

Elrond: Strangers from distant lands, friends of old, you have been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor. Middle Earth stands upon the brink of destruction; none can escape it. You will unite or you will fall. Each race is bound to this fate, this one doom. Bring forth the Ring, Frodo.

[Frodo puts the Ring on a stand for all to see]

[This section, up to when Gandalf says, "The ring is altogether evil," only appears in Extended Edition]

Boromir: So it is true. [Stands and walks towards the Ring] In a dream, I saw the Eastern sky grow dark. But in the West, a pale light lingered. A voice was crying, "The doom is near at hand, Isildur's Bane is found." [Reaches for the Ring] Isildur's Bane...

[The light darkens and the air rumbles; Boromir backs away from the Ring]

Elrond: Never before has anyone dared utter words of that tongue here, in Imladris.

Gandalf: I do not ask for pardon, Master Elrond, for the Black Speech of Mordor may yet be heard in every corner of the West! The Ring is altogether evil.

Boromir: But it is a gift. A gift to the foes of Mordor. Why not use this Ring? Long has my father, the Steward of Gondor, kept the forces of Mordor at bay. By the blood of our people are your lands kept safe! Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy! Let us use it against him!

Aragorn: You cannot wield it. None of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master.

Boromir: And what would a Ranger know of this matter?

Legolas: This is no mere Ranger. He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance.

Boromir: Aragorn? This is Isildur's heir?

Legolas: And heir to the throne of Gondor.

Aragorn: [in Elvish] Sit down, Legolas.

Boromir: Gondor has no King. Gondor needs no King.

Gandalf: Aragorn is right. We cannot use it.

Elrond: You have only one choice. The Ring must be destroyed.

Gimli: Then what are we waiting for?

[He roars and strikes the Ring with his axe; the axe breaks, leaving the Ring perfectly intact]

Elrond: The Ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Gloin, by any craft that we here possess. The Ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom. Only there can it be unmade. It must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came! One of you... must do this.

Boromir: One does not simply walk into Mordor. Its Black Gates are guarded by more than just Orcs. There is evil there that does not sleep. The Great Eye is ever watchful. It is a barren wasteland, riddled with fire, ash and dust. The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with ten thousand men could you do this. It is folly!

Legolas: Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The Ring must be destroyed!

Gimli: And I suppose you think you're the one to do it?!

Boromir: And if we fail, what then?! What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?!

Gimli: I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an Elf! [The council argue amongst themselves] Never trust an Elf!

Gandalf: Do you not understand?! While you bicker amongst yourselves, Sauron's power grows! None will escape it! You'll all be destroyed!

[As Frodo focuses on the Ring, everyone's arguing voices are drowned out by Sauron's voice reciting the Ring's inscription. Frodo gets to his feet]

Frodo: I will take it! [All continue to argue]I will take it![All fall silent] I will take the Ring to Mordor. Though... I do not know the way.

Gandalf: I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, for as long as it is yours to bear.

Aragorn: If by my life or death I can protect you, I will. You have my sword...

Legolas: And you have my bow.

Gimli: And my axe.

Boromir: You carry the fate of us all, little one. If this is indeed the will of the Council, then Gondor will see it done.

[Sam rushes in]

Sam: Hey! Mr. Frodo's not going anywhere without me!

Elrond: No, indeed. It is hardly possible to separate you, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not.

Merry: We're coming, too! [Elrond looks astounded] You'd have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us!

Pippin: Anyway, you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission... quest... thing.

Merry: That rules you out, Pippin.

Elrond: Nine companions. So be it. You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring.

Pippin: Great! Where are we going?

All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world, Frodo, besides the will of evil.

Gandalf: Frodo, come and help an old man. How's your shoulder?

Frodo: Better than it was.

Gandalf: And the Ring? You feel its power growing, don't you? I've felt it too. You must be careful now. Evil will be drawn to you from outside the Fellowship... and, I fear, from within.

Frodo: Who then, do I trust?

Gandalf: You must trust yourself. Trust your own strengths.

Frodo: What do you mean?

Gandalf: There are many powers in this world, for good or for evil. Some are greater than I am. And against some, I have not yet been tested.

[Gandalf has tried to open the Doors of Durin, to no avail]

Gandalf: I once knew every spell in all the tongues of Orcs.

Pippin: What are you going to do, then?

Gandalf: Knock your head against these doors, Peregrin Took! And if that does not shatter them, and I am allowed a little peace from foolish questions, I will try to find the opening words.

Frodo: There's something down there!

Gandalf: It's Gollum.

Frodo: Gollum?

Gandalf: He's been following us for three days.

Frodo: He escaped the dungeons of Barad-dûr?

Gandalf: Escaped... or was set loose. Now the Ring has drawn him here. He hates and loves the Ring, as he hates and loves himself. He will never be rid of his need for it. Sméagol's life is a sad story. Yes, Sméagol he was once called... before the Ring found him. Before it drove him mad.

Frodo: It's a pity Bilbo didn't kill him when he had the chance.

Gandalf: Pity? It was pity that stayed Bilbo's hand. Many that die deserve life, and some that live deserve death. Can you give it to them, Frodo? Do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment. Even the very wise cannot see all ends. My heart tells me that Gollum has some part to play, for good or ill, before this is over. The pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of many.

Frodo: I wish the Ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened.

Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times; but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world, Frodo, besides the will of evil. Bilbo was meant to find the Ring. In which case, you were also meant to have it. And that is an encouraging thought.

Boromir: What is this new devilry?

Gandalf: A Balrog... a demon of the Ancient World. This foe is beyond any of you. RUN!

Gimli: Be cautious, young Hobbits. They say a great sorceress lives in these woods. An Elf witch of terrible power. All who look upon her fall under her spell...

Galadriel: [in Frodo's mind] Frodo.

Gimli: ...and are never seen again.

Galadriel: [to Frodo] Your coming to us is as the footsteps of doom. You bring great evil here, Ringbearer.

Sam: Mr. Frodo?

Gimli: Well, here's one Dwarf she won't ensnare so easily. I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox!

[Haldir and a group of elves appear, holding Gimli and the others at arrow point]

Haldir: The Dwarf breathes so loud, we could have shot him in the dark.

[Extended Edition only]

Celeborn: The enemy knows you have entered here. What hope you had in secrecy is now gone. Eight there are here, yet nine there were set out from Rivendell. Tell me, where is Gandalf? For I much desire to speak with him. I can no longer see him from afar.

Galadriel: [in thought] Gandalf the Grey did not pass the borders of this land. [to herself] He has fallen into shadow.

Legolas: He was taken from us by both shadow and flame. A Balrog of Morgoth. For we went needlessly into the nets of Moria.

Galadriel: Needless were none of the deeds had Gandalf in life. We do not know his full purpose. [to Gimli] Do not let the great emptiness of Khazad-dûm fill your heart, Gimli, son of Glóin, for the world has grown full of peril. And in all lands, love is now mingled with grief. [she gazes directly at Boromir, who starts to weep]

Celeborn: What now becomes of this fellowship? Without Gandalf, all hope is lost.

Galadriel: The Quest stands upon the edge of knife. Stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all. Yet hope remains while the company is true. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Go now and rest for you are weary with sorrow and much toil. Tonight you will sleep in peace. [to Frodo, telepathically]Welcome, Frodo of the Shire...one who has seen THE EYE! [her eyes blaze brilliantly]

Aragorn: Take some rest. These borders are well protected.

Boromir: I will find no rest here. I heard her voice inside my head. She spoke of my father and the fall of Gondor, and she said to me: "Even now, there is hope left." But I cannot see it. It is long since we had any hope. My father is a noble man, but his rule is failing and our... our people lose faith. He looks to me to make things right and I would do it, I would see the glory of Gondor restored. Have you ever seen it, Aragorn? The White Tower of Ecthelion, glimmering like a spike of pearl and silver. Its banners caught high in the morning breeze. Have you ever been called home by the clear ringing of silver trumpets?

Aragorn: I have seen the white city... long ago.

Boromir: One day our paths will lead us there, and the tower guards shall take up the call: "The Lords of Gondor have returned!"

Galadriel: Will you look into the mirror?

Frodo: What will I see?

Galadriel: Even the wisest cannot tell. For the mirror shows many things. Things that were, things that are, and some things... that have not yet come to pass.

[Looking into the mirror, Frodo sees the Orcs enslave the Hobbits and reduce the Shire to an industrial wasteland; finally, the Eye of Sauron causes him to stumble backwards]

Galadriel: I know what it is you saw; for it is also in my mind. [in Frodo's mind] It is what will come to pass if you should fail. The Fellowship is breaking. It is already begun. He will try to take the Ring. You know of whom I speak. One by one, it will destroy them all.

Frodo: If you ask it of me, I will give you the One Ring. [holds out the Ring to Galadriel]

Galadriel: You offer it to me freely? I do not deny that my heart has greatly desired this... [Suddenly fierce] IN PLACE OF A DARK LORD, YOU WOULD HAVE A QUEEN! NOT DARK, BUT BEAUTIFUL AND TERRIBLE AS THE DAWN! TREACHEROUS AS THE SEA! STRONGER THAN THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE EARTH! ALL SHALL LOVE ME AND DESPAIR! [Stops, shaken, and becomes calm again] I pass the test. I will diminish, and go into the West... and remain Galadriel.

Frodo: I cannot do this alone.

Galadriel: You are a Ringbearer, Frodo. To bear a Ring of Power is to be alone. [holds up her hand to show a silver, flower-jeweled Ring] This is Nenya, the Ring of Adamant, and I am its keeper. This task was appointed to you and if you do not find a way, no one will.

Frodo: I know what I must do, it's just that... I'm afraid to do it.

Galadriel: Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.

Saruman: Do you know how the Orcs first came into being? They were Elves once. Taken by the Dark Powers. Tortured, and mutilated. A ruined and terrible form of life. And now... perfected. My fighting Uruk-hai, whom do you serve?

Lurtz: Saruman!

Saruman: [to his army of Uruk-hai soldiers] Hunt them down! Do not stop until they are found! You do not know pain; you do not know fear! You will taste man-flesh!! [to Lurtz] One of the Halflings carries something of great value. Bring them to me alive...and unspoiled. Kill the others!

[Extended Edition only]

Aragorn: Gollum. He's tracked us since Moria. I hoped we would lose him on the river, but he's too clever a waterman.

Boromir: And if he alerts the enemy to our whereabouts, it'll make the crossing even more dangerous.

Sam: But you're not. I'm here to help you. I promised Gandalf that I would.

Frodo: You can't help me, Sam. Not this time. Get some sleep.

Boromir: Minas Tirith is the safer road. You know that. From there, we can regroup. Strike out at Mordor from a place of strength.

Aragorn: There is no strength from Gondor that can evade us.

Boromir: You were quick enough to trust the Elves! And you saw little faith in your own people! Yes, there is weakness! There is frailty! But there is courage, also! And honor to be found in men, but you will not see that! You're afraid! All your life, you have lived in the shadows, scared of who you are, of what you are!

Aragorn: I will not lead the Ring within a hundred leagues of your city!

Boromir: [carrying gathered wood] None of us should wander alone, you least of all. So much depends on you. [Frodo is silent] Frodo? I know why you seek solitude. You suffer. I see it day by day. You're sure you do not suffer needlessly? There are other ways, Frodo. Other paths that we might take.

Frodo: I know what you would say. And it would seem like wisdom, but for the warning in my heart.

Boromir: Warning? Against what? We're all afraid, Frodo, but to let that fear drive us to destroy what hope we have, don't you see that is madness?

Frodo: There is no other way.

Boromir: [frustrated] I ask only for the strength to defend my people! [throws down the wood] If you would but lend me the Ring...

Frodo: No!

Boromir: Why do you recoil? I am no thief.

Frodo: You are not yourself.

Boromir: What chance do you think you have? They will find you. They will take the Ring. And you will beg for death before the end! [Frodo tries to walk away] You fool! It is not yours, save by unhappy chance! It could have been mine! It should be mine! [pins Frodo to the ground] Give it to me! GIVE IT TO ME!

Frodo: No! [puts the Ring on his finger and slips away, invisible]

Boromir: I see your mind. You will take the Ring to Sauron! You will betray us! You go to your death, and the death of us all! Curse you! Curse you, and all the Halflings![suddenly gets ahold of himself] Frodo? Frodo. What have I done? Please, Frodo. Frodo, I'm sorry! Frodo!

Aragorn: Frodo?

Frodo: It has taken Boromir.

Aragorn: Where is the Ring?

Frodo: Stay away! [Frodo bolts, and Aragorn follows him]

Aragorn: [confused] Frodo! I swore to protect you.

Frodo: Can you protect me from yourself? [holds out the Ring] Would you destroy it?

Aragorn: Be at peace, Son of Gondor. [kisses Boromir's head] They will look for his coming from the white tower, but he will not return.

Frodo: Go back, Sam! I'm going to Mordor alone.

Sam: Of course you are. And I'm coming with you!

[Sam wades in the water]

Frodo: You can't swim! Sam! [Sam sinks below the surface]SAM!

[Sam nearly drowns, but Frodo pulls him up into the raft]

Sam: I made a promise, Mr. Frodo. A promise! "Don't you leave him, Samwise Gamgee." And I don't mean to! I don't mean to.

Legolas: Hurry! Frodo and Sam have reached the eastern shore.

[Aragorn does not move]

Legolas: You mean not to follow them.

Aragorn: Frodo's fate is no longer in our hands.

Gimli: Then it has all been in vain. The Fellowship has failed.

Aragorn: Not if we hold true to each other. We will not abandon Merry and Pippin to torment and death. Not while we have strength left. Leave all that can be spared behind. We travel light. Let's hunt some Orc!